A breakthrough in the development of fusion energy has been published in a series of six papers in the Journal of Plasma Physics (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Type One Energy, a company developing fusion power plants, has presented the physics basis for their Infinity Two Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP). The papers offer a comprehensive and self-consistent model for using the stellarator concept, a machine that uses complex magnetic fields to contain plasma to generate clean energy. This work sets new standards in fusion research and aims to make fusion energy a viable power source for the future.

The Infinity Two design features a stellarator with high magnetic fields and robust plasma confinement properties. Researchers have ensured the plasma’s stability under conditions needed to achieve deuterium-tritium fusion, which could produce 800 megawatts (MW) of power. The design also accounts for key elements such as efficient particle confinement, reduced turbulence, and heat management using advanced blanket and divertor systems. These aspects are crucial for ensuring the plant remains stable and efficient at generating energy over long periods.

In addition to its technical details, the research also discusses the practical aspects of the fusion plant’s design, including using gas-cooled solid breeder blankets, which help sustain the fusion reaction by generating tritium, a key fuel for fusion. The design also examines the use of divertor systems, which help manage heat and particles that are expelled from the plasma. The Infinity Two FPP has shown promising results in simulations, predicting a fusion gain (Q) of 40, meaning it could produce 40 times the energy it consumes.

This work is a major step forward in fusion research, bringing the potential for fusion energy closer to reality. Type One Energy’s partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority is part of the plan to move the design from theory to actual pilot testing. The successful development of fusion energy could provide a limitless, clean power source, offering a sustainable solution to meet global energy demands and combat climate change.

References

• Schmitt, J. C., Anderson, D. T., Andrew, E. C., Bader, A., Camacho Mata, K., Canik, J. M., Carbajal, L., Cerfon, A., Cooper, W. A., Davila, N. M., Dorland, W. D., Duff, J. M., Guttenfelder, W., Hegna, C. C., Huet, D. P., Landreman, M., Le Bars, G., Malkus, A., Mandell, N. R., … Willis, K. (2025). Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability properties of the Infinity Two fusion pilot plant. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–39. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377825000406
• Bader, A., Ayilaran, A., Canik, J. M., De, A., Guttenfelder, W., Hegna, C. C., Knilans, M., Malkus, A., Pedersen, T. S., Sinha, P., Talley, J., Velez, D., Willis, K., & the Type One Energy Group. (2025). Power and particle exhaust for the infinity two fusion pilot plant. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377825000273
• Cambridge University Press. (2025, March 28). Commercial fusion power plant now closer to reality. Phys.Org; Cambridge University Press. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-commercial-fusion-power-closer-reality.html
• Carbajal, L., Varela, J., Bader, A., Guttenfelder, W., Cerfon, A., Schmitt, J. C., Morrissey, J., Hegna, C. C., Canik, J. M., Mandell, N. R., Landreman, M., Willis, K., Huet, D., Clark, D., Camacho Mata, K., Davila, N. M., Cooper, W. A., Dorland, W. D., Duff, J. M., … Snicker, A. (2025). Alpha-particle confinement in Infinity Two Fusion Pilot Plant baseline plasma design. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377825000352
• Clark, D. W. S., Goh, B., Ramirez, S., Pflug, E., Smandych, J., Kessing, J. R., Moreno, C., Bohm, T. D., Wilson, P. P. H., Singh, L., Cerfon, A., Mandell, N. R., Schmitt, J. C., Guttenfelder, W., Lau, C., Tillack, M. S., & Canik, J. M. (2025). Breeder blanket and tritium fuel cycle feasibility of the Infinity Two Fusion Pilot Plant. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–48. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002237782500039X
• Guttenfelder, W., Mandell, N. R., Le Bars, G., Singh, L., Bader, A., Camacho Mata, K., Canik, J. M., Carbajal, L., Cerfon, A., Davila, N. M., Dorland, W. D., Hegna, C. C., Holland, C., Huet, D. P., Landreman, M., Lau, C., Malkus, A., Medasani, B., Morrissey, J., & Schmitt, J. C. (2025). Predictions of core plasma performance for the infinity two fusion pilot plant. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377825000339
• Hegna, C. C., Anderson, D. T., Andrew, E. C., Ayilaran, A., Bader, A., Bohm, T. D., Camacho Mata, K., Canik, J. M., Carbajal, L., Cerfon, A., Clark, D. W. S., Cooper, W. A., Davila, N. M., Dorland, W. D., Duff, J. M., Goh, B., Guttenfelder, W., Holland, C., Huet, D. P., … Wilson, P. P. H. (2025). The infinity two fusion pilot plant baseline plasma physics design. Journal of Plasma Physics, 1–44. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377825000364